skin scratch creates histamines

[shpilkis]

I have been told by an alargist that I have a cindition that just scratching my skin releases histamines and creates more itching.  He said it happens in 5% of the population.  Can you tell me what this condition is caused?
He suggested using ice to calm the itching before scrathing.
Thanks
Gary

[archiver]

  I think you're talking about dermagraphism. My allergist told me I have it too. He showed me by running bis nail lightly across my skin. He said normal skin might turn a little lighter from the scratch for a little bit, or maybe a light pink. But dermagraphic skin would turn red, and raised, and become itchy - and sure enough, mine raised a red welt along the line he'd drawn, and itched a bit.
  He said he couldn't draw any concrete conclusions from a skin prick test because my skin would react in an allergic way to the pricks, regardless of whetber I was really allergic to any of the substances being tested . The only way to know for sure what I was allergic to, then, was to have a blood serum test run (they draw blood and test it against known and possible allergies). Hope this helps :-)

[archiver]

  I think you're talking about dermagraphism. My allergist told me I have it too. He showed me by running bis nail lightly across my skin. He said normal skin might turn a little lighter from the scratch for a little bit, or maybe a light pink. But dermagraphic skin would turn red, and raised, and become itchy - and sure enough, mine raised a red welt along the line he'd drawn, and itched a bit.
  He said he couldn't draw any concrete conclusions from a skin prick test because my skin would react in an allergic way to the pricks, regardless of whetber I was really allergic to any of the substances being tested . The only way to know for sure what I was allergic to, then, was to have a blood serum test run (they draw blood and test it against known and possible allergies). Hope this helps :-)

[willy851]

Because itching is a symptom in many problems related to the skin, including this skin disorder, this is not the basis of diagnosing the condition. Eczema always has a rash and this is part of the condition but there is still no explanation as to what causes the itching. The redness seen in the rash is the result of increased blood flow in the area, sometimes caused by the scratching. Eczema inflammation can have many triggers and more about this is being discovered constantly,one area that causes concern is where there is a bacterial infection which can easily be the result of scratching sensitive skin. The other obvious signs are of course the blisters which generally speaking are quite tiny but larger blisters can be seen on people occasionally,a bacterial infection or a condition of your particular skin type many be the cause of this. These blisters may contain small amounts of fluid and in some cases a pus,blisters are likely to become infected if broken which will just exacerbate the condition further.

[shpilkis]

There is no lesion and it is NOt eczema.  It happens in 5% of the population and is not dermatitus.
jUST STIMULATING (SCRATCHING) THE SKIN RELEASES HISTAMINES).
I need an allergist who understands I guess.
whats this condition called?
Thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, dermatitis, allergic reactions etc.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.